Lime Shrimp Kebabs

Lime Shrimp Kebabs Recipe - Delicious and Nutritious Relish

Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 8 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lime shrimp kebabs are a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer barbecue or a light and healthy meal. The combination of zesty lime, garlic, and cilantro marinade with succulent shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms creates a burst of flavor in every bite.

History

Shrimp kebabs have been a popular dish in many cultures for centuries. The idea of skewering meat and vegetables and grilling them over an open flame dates back to ancient times. The addition of lime, garlic, and cilantro to the marinade gives this traditional dish a modern twist and adds a fresh and tangy flavor.

Ingredients

16 large shrimp, uncooked, deveined
3 large limes
2 cloves of garlic, crushed and peeled
0.25 tsp of black pepper
2 tsp of olive oil
2 tbsp of fresh cilantro, cleaned and chopped
10 medium cherry tomatoes, rinsed and dried
10 small white-button mushrooms, wiped clean and stems removed

How to prepare

In a glass measuring cup, squeeze limes to yield 0.25 cup of juice.
Add garlic, pepper, olive oil, and cilantro to the lime juice and stir.
Place shrimp in a medium bowl and pour the cilantro lime marinade over them.
Allow the shrimp to marinate in the refrigerator for 10 to 15 minutes (do not exceed 30 minutes as the acidity of the juice may affect the shrimp's texture).
While waiting, thread cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, and shrimp onto four skewers in alternating order.
Grill the skewers over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are just cooked through.

Variations

Substitute chicken or tofu for the shrimp for a different protein option.
Add bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers for additional vegetables.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to devein the shrimp before marinating them to ensure they cook evenly and have a clean appearance.

- Do not over-marinate the shrimp in the lime juice as the acidity can affect the texture of the shrimp.

- Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before threading the ingredients to prevent them from burning on the grill.

Serving Suggestions

Serve lime shrimp kebabs with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Grill the skewers over medium heat for even cooking and a nice charred flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use lemon juice instead of lime juice for a slightly different flavor.

- Substitute parsley or basil for the cilantro if desired.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the marinade and marinate the shrimp ahead of time, but wait to thread them onto skewers until ready to grill.

Presentation Ideas

Serve lime shrimp kebabs on a platter garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair lime shrimp kebabs with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the citrus flavors.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover lime shrimp kebabs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the grill until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of lime shrimp kebabs contains approximately 150 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of lime shrimp kebabs contains approximately 5 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of lime shrimp kebabs contains approximately 5 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of lime shrimp kebabs contains approximately 15 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Lime shrimp kebabs are a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B12, iron, and potassium.

Alergens

Lime shrimp kebabs contain shellfish (shrimp) and may not be suitable for individuals with shellfish allergies.

Summary

Lime shrimp kebabs are a low-carb, high-protein dish that is rich in vitamins and minerals. They are a healthy and delicious option for a light and refreshing meal.

Summary

Lime shrimp kebabs are a flavorful and healthy dish that is perfect for a summer meal or a light and refreshing dinner option. With a zesty marinade and a combination of succulent shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms, these kebabs are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her coastal home. She had invited me over for a barbecue in her backyard, and as soon as I arrived, I could smell the delicious aroma of grilled seafood filling the air.

Maria greeted me with a big smile and a hug, and as we walked towards the backyard, she handed me a tall glass of iced tea. We settled into our chairs on the patio, chatting and catching up on each other's lives. As we sat there, I watched Maria effortlessly skewer plump shrimp onto bamboo sticks, alternating them with slices of juicy lime.

I couldn't help but ask her about the recipe for the Lime Shrimp Kebabs, as they looked absolutely mouth-watering. Maria laughed and told me that it was a family secret, passed down through generations. She explained that the key to the dish was the marinade - a blend of fresh lime juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and a hint of chili powder.

I was intrigued and begged Maria to share the recipe with me. She hesitated at first, teasing me that I would have to promise to keep it a secret. Of course, I agreed, eager to learn the delicious recipe.

Maria took me into her kitchen and showed me how to prepare the marinade. She squeezed the juice of several limes into a bowl, added minced garlic, a generous drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of chili powder. She whisked it all together until it formed a fragrant, tangy sauce that made my mouth water.

Next, Maria showed me how to peel and devein the shrimp, leaving the tails intact for easy skewering. She instructed me to place the shrimp in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, making sure each one was well-coated. She then covered the dish with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the refrigerator for an hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.

As the shrimp marinated, Maria fired up the grill outside and preheated it to medium-high heat. She carefully threaded the shrimp and lime slices onto the bamboo skewers, making sure they were evenly spaced and ready for grilling.

Once the grill was hot, Maria placed the kebabs on the grate, the sizzle of the shrimp filling the air. She closed the lid and let them cook for a few minutes on each side, until the shrimp turned pink and opaque, and the limes caramelized and charred slightly.

The smell wafting from the grill was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. Maria carefully removed the kebabs from the grill and placed them on a serving platter, garnishing them with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sea salt.

We sat down at the patio table, the sun setting in the distance, casting a warm glow over the backyard. I picked up a Lime Shrimp Kebab and took a bite, the flavors exploding on my taste buds - the tangy lime, the savory shrimp, the smoky char from the grill.

Maria watched me with a knowing smile, knowing that I had fallen in love with the recipe. I couldn't thank her enough for sharing her family secret with me, and I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own kitchen.

As I enjoyed the delicious kebabs, I thought about the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that would last a lifetime. I made a mental note to pass down this recipe to my own grandchildren one day, just as Maria had done for me.

And so, that warm summer day in Maria's backyard became a turning point in my culinary journey. The recipe for Lime Shrimp Kebabs had found its way into my heart, and I knew that it would always hold a special place in my repertoire of beloved dishes.